Variable Temperature Equipment for a Commercial Magnetic Susceptibility BalanceAlbert LötzVariable temperature equipment for the magnetic susceptibility balance MSB-MK1 of Sherwood Scientific, Ltd., is described. Whereas the balance as sold commercially can be used only for room temperature measurements, the setup presented here extends the temperature range from 20C to 80C without a loss in performance.Lötz, Albert. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 107.

A Simple Low-Cost Lock-In Amplifier for the LaboratorySandip K. Sengupta, Jessica M. Farnham, and James E. WhittenThe construction of a simple, low-cost, stand-alone lock-in amplifier suitable for physical and analytical chemistry instructional laboratories is described. The instrument is useful for detecting and amplifying signals that are in-phase with a reference signal and is particularly important for optical experiments that employ a pulsed light source. Sengupta, Sandip K.; Farnham, Jessica M.; Whitten, James E. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 1399.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

Automatic Low-Cost Data Acquisition from Old Polarimetric InstrumentsGiuseppe Alibrandi, Santi D'Aliberti, Salvatore Coppolino, Antonino Villari, and Norberto MicaliThis article describes the design of an apparatus that allows the digital acquisition of polarimetric data from a Lippich polarimeter. This apparatus consists of a low-cost telecamera applied to the ocular of a double-field polarimeter and connected to a PC. The camera is able to reveal with high sensibility the difference in brightness in the two fields allowing more accurate analytical data to be obtained, without need for the analyser to be rotated. This apparatus allows the execution of either single observations or kinetics, because it is able to save previously obtained analytical data. Alibrandi, Giuseppe; D'Aliberti, Santi; Coppolino, Salvatore; Villari, Antonino; Micali, Norberto. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 442.

Students' Attitudes toward and Conceptual Understanding of Chemical InstrumentationLarry S. Miller, Mary B. Nakhleh, John J. Nash, and Jeanne A. MeyerData collected from field notes, surveys, and interviews are used to evaluate (i) the attitudes students have toward using instrumentation, (ii) how students relate the underlying chemical concepts to the instrumentation, and (iii) how working in a group impacts students' attitudes toward, and their conceptual understanding of, chemical instrumentation. Miller, Larry S.; Nakhleh, Mary B.; Nash, John J.; Meyer, Jeanne A. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1801.

Chromatography |

Instrumental Methods |

IR Spectroscopy |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

The History of Ion Chromatography: The Engineering PerspectiveBarton EvansThis article traces the history of the engineering development related to the several generations of ion chromatography instruments, columns, suppressers, and software. In so doing, several representative engineering challenges and their outcomes are discussed including: early directions (traveling without a road map, or "going where the applications are"), dealing with an extremely corrosive mobile phase (aka: the "eluent"), resolving the inherent incompatibilities of nonmetallic flow paths with the benefits of high-pressure, elevated temperature operation, managing the ever-evolving nature of the suppressor, coping with requirements for ultra high-end online systems, and providing extremely simple-to-use dedicated analyzer systems. Evans, Barton. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1285.

Chromatography |

Industrial Chemistry |

Instrumental Methods |

Ion Exchange |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Separation Science |

Water / Water Chemistry

Ion Chromatography: An Account of Its Conception and Early DevelopmentHamish SmallIn the late 1950s, a small group of chemists at the Dow Chemical Company envisioned replacing these classical methods of inorganic analysis with but a single, universal chromatographic technique. They called their project "Inorganic Chromatography". This article describes how they developed this concept into a new technique, ready for commercial development into what we know today as "Ion Chromatography". In particular, the account will describe: how the Dow scientists adapted electrical conductance monitoring to chromatography, the introduction of the suppressor to chromatography, the invention of special stationary phases, and the evolution of strategies and principles that would shape and guide the practice of ion chromatography for many years to come. Small, Hamish. J. Chem. Educ.2004, 81, 1277.

Build a Simple PolarimeterFrank E. Stary and Norman WoldowDetails of the construction of a durable, inexpensive portable polarimeter with a self-contained 585-nm light source are given, combining the best features of several polarimeters; may easily be scaled up in size for increased sensitivity. Stary, Frank E.; Woldow, Norman. J. Chem. Educ.2001, 78, 644.

A Simple Laboratory-Constructed Automatic TitratorKurt L. Headrick, Terry K. Davies, and Aaron N. HaegeleThe construction of a simple automatic titrator is described. The buret is replaced with a metering pump to provide a constant flow of titrant. The output from the pH meter is sent to a recorder via a laboratory- constructed differentiator, allowing the results to be plotted as potential versus time, first or second derivativeHeadrick, Kurt L.; Davies, Terry K.; Haegele, Aaron N. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 389.

Instrumental Methods |

Acids / Bases |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Quantitative Analysis |

Titration / Volumetric Analysis

Rapid, Simple Quantitation in Thin-Layer Chromatography Using a Flatbed ScannerMitchell E. JohnsonSimply scanning a visibly stained TLC plate into a computer substitutes for much more expensive plate readers. With common image analysis software, "elution" profiles can be obtained. The resulting "chromatograms" can be analyzed in the same manner as other chromatograms. Johnson, Mitchell E. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 368.

Chromatography |

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Quantitative Analysis |

Thin Layer Chromatography

An Inexpensive Commercially Available Analog-to-Digital ConverterGary W. BretonThe use of an inexpensive analog-to-digital converter for interfacing gas chromatographs to computers in a teaching laboratory environment is described. Raw data may be read, processed, and printed from software supplied with the converter to afford chromatograms of acceptable quality. Breton, Gary W. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 262.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Computing / Interfacing |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Chromatography

A Low-Cost Device for Automatic Photometric TitrationsFábio R. P. Rocha and Boaventura F. ReisConstruction of a simple, low-cost (about $150 U.S.) automatic photometric titrator employing a light-emitting diode (LED) and a phototransistor. The electronic circuit can be assembled by the students themselves. The device was employed to implement a common procedure in chemical labs, making feasible the introduction of concepts related to electronics in undergraduate chemistry courses.Rocha, Fbio R. P.; Reis, Boaventura F. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 258.

Instrumental Methods |

Quantitative Analysis |

Titration / Volumetric Analysis |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

Calculator-Based Instrumentation: The Design of a Digital Interface Based on I2C TechnologyA. B. Hickman, W. G. Delinger, and Robin S. HelburnIn this work, we describe the interfacing of a digital temperature sensor to a Texas Instruments TI-85 calculator to make a portable instrument. The design of the interface is based on an integrated circuit that uses the inter-integrated circuit (I2C) protocol. Hickman, A. B.; Delinger, W. G.; Helburn, Robin S. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 255.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Computing / Interfacing |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

The Development of Innovative Laboratory Experiments with UV-Visible SpectrophotometerPeter Abeta IyereA brief description of the instrument acquired with National Science Foundation funds (Cary 300 BIO UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, model EL98013047 equipped with diffuse reflectance and temperature control accessories) precedes highlights of some of the experiments being developed at Tennessee State University.Iyere, Peter Abeta. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 153.

UV-Vis Spectroscopy |

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

A Simple Hanging Mercury Drop ElectrodeFlorinel Gabriel BanicaA device producing reproducible hanging mercury drops at the end of a glass capillary is described. Mercury flow through the capillary is controlled by means of a closing needle actuated by an electromagnetic relay. The timing circuit is very simple and consists only of resistors and capacitors.Banica, Florinel Gabriel. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 98.

Instrumental Methods |

Electrochemistry |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

Easy-to-Make Ag/AgCl Reference ElectrodeGaston A. East and M. A. del ValleIn this contribution we describe the construction of a silver-silver chloride reference electrode that can be readily assembled in any teaching laboratory and that fulfills most of the requirements expected for a device of this kind. East, Gaston A.; del Valle, M. A. J. Chem. Educ.2000, 77, 97.

Instrumental Methods |

Electrochemistry |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

A Simple Supplementary Offset Device for Data Acquisition SystemsThomas Kappes and Peter C. HauserThe device described in this article offers in a simple way the possibility of extending the offset range and can be combined with any data acquisition system. The signal offset is obtained by adding a manually adjustable voltage to the raw signal.Kappes, Thomas; Hauser, Peter C. J. Chem. Educ.1999, 76, 1429.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus

A Solid-State Water Flow Fault Safety Switch for the Chemical LaboratoryJonas Gruber, Rosamaria Wu Chia Li, and Isaac GruberA low cost solid-state water flow fault switch with a thermal sensing device is described that cuts the electric power of the heating element, normally employed in distillation and reflux devices, whenever their cooling water streams are impaired. This to prevent any possible escape of distillate vapours which may be toxic or flammable.Gruber, Jonas; Li, Rosamaria Wu Chia; Gruber, Isaac. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1132.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Laboratory Management

Design and Operation of a Portable Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer for the Undergraduate CurriculumMichael Henchman and Colin SteelWe describe the design and construction of a teaching mass spectrometer from components that are available commercially. The instrument is transportable, robust, and inexpensive. It yields a mass spectrum 3 minutes after being switched on and is designed to be used by undergraduates and maintained by faculty without special instrumental skills.Henchman, Michael; Steel, Colin. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 1042.

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Mass Spectrometry |

Computational Chemistry

The Thermometer as a Simple InstrumentGeorge F. AtkinsonThe liquid-in-glass thermometer is used as a simple example of designing a measurement instrument which requires no previous knowledge of topics like electricity or optics. Atkinson, George F. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 849.

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Instrumental Methods

A Standardized Approach to Collecting and Calculating Noise Amplitude SpectraNorman N. Sesi, Mathew W. Borer, Timothy K. Starn, and Gary M. HieftjeA standardized approach to acquire, calculate, and display noise spectra is proposed. The method is based on normalizing the noise amplitude spectrum to the average dc level of the input signal. This normalization procedure should allow noise spectra, obtained in different laboratories or from different sources, to be compared both quantitatively and qualitatively. Sesi, Norman N.; Borer, Mathew W.; Starn, Timothy K.; Hieftje, Gary M. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 788.

An Integrated-Circuit Temperature Sensor for Calorimetry and Differential Temperature MeasurementMark MuyskensApplication of an integrated-circuit (IC) temperature sensor which is easy-to-use, inexpensive, rugged, easily computer-interfacable and has good precision is described. The design, based on the National Semiconductor LM35 IC chip, avoids some of the difficulties associated with conventional sensors (thermocouples, thermistors, and platinum resistance thermometers) and a previously described IC sensor. Muyskens, Mark. J. Chem. Educ.1997, 74, 850.

Integration of National Instruments' LabVIEW Software into the Chemistry CurriculumSteven M. DrewThe overall aim of this continuing project has been to provide students with user-friendly analytical tools that will improve their ability to quickly perform chemical analyses, in turn leaving more laboratory time for experimental design and open-ended investigation. We have found that LabVIEW can be used as a central laboratory software system that can be customized by the instructor to fit specific experimental needs and programmed by students with minimal training.Drew, Steven M. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1107.

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Computing / Interfacing

Teaching Analytical Instrument Design with LabVIEWRudy GostowskiThis curriculum was devised to provide hands-on experience with the theory and design of modern instruments. A background in electronics is considered fundamental to this goal. This course extensively utilizes LabVIEW to economically provide basic electronic instrumentation and to serve in data acquisition and manipulation for a student design project.Gostowski, Rudy. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1103.

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Instrumental Methods |

Laboratory Computing / Interfacing

Development of a Low-Cost Four-Color LED PhotometerJay R. Hamilton, Jeffrey S. White, Mary B. NakhlehThis photometer resembles a Spectronic 20 in that it detects absorbance at selected wavelengths of visible light. However, the photometer retains the advantages of a dual-beam system. The cost is reduced by the elimination of all optical components, which are often the most expensive portion of spectrophotometers. Hamilton, Jay R.; White, Jeffrey S.; Nakhleh, Mary B. J. Chem. Educ.1996, 73, 1052.

A problem in calibrating a spectrophotometerJohnson, James G.Standardization checks should be carried out under exactly the same conditions as used for daily work with the instrument.Johnson, James G. J. Chem. Educ.1985, 62, 885.

Computer-controlled colorimetryPater, F. G.; Perone, S. P.In order to illustrate more fully the capabilities of the computer for experimental control, a computer-controlled colorimeter has been conceived, where the computer can select the wavelength of light passing through the sample as well as execute data acquisition and data processing functions.Pater, F. G.; Perone, S. P. J. Chem. Educ.1973, 50, 428.

Integrated circuits in the instrumental laboratoryScherer, George A.A brief introduction to integrated circuits that exemplifies their use in instrumentation through the construction of a square wave generator, audio amplifier, decimal counting unit, and operational amplifier.Scherer, George A. J. Chem. Educ.1969, 46, 399.

Modular instrumentation in analytical chemistryEwing, Galen W.It is the purpose of this paper to describe an approach to modular instrumentation in analytical chemistry in which students complete the assembly of partially assembled instruments.Ewing, Galen W. J. Chem. Educ.1965, 42, 32.

A versatile and inexpensive controlled potential polarographic analyzerEnke, C. G.; Baxter, R. A.The instrument described in this article was built to be used for basic research in nonaqueous and ac polarography and for instruction in polarographic principles and techniques in introductory and advanced analytical chemistry laboratories.Enke, C. G.; Baxter, R. A. J. Chem. Educ.1964, 41, 202.

An inexpensive spectrograph of moderately high resolutionSchoenbeck, Ralph; Tabbutt, Frederick D.This article describes a spectrograph with a resolving power greater than 6000 that can easily be built for a minimal cost.Schoenbeck, Ralph; Tabbutt, Frederick D. J. Chem. Educ.1963, 40, 452.

Chomatographic EquipmentLewin, S. Z.Examines the following topics: selectivity in the distribution of components between two phases, chromatographic development, types of chromatographic systems, the production of counter-current flow, the scale of chromatographic separations, the components of chromatographs, the two-phase system, and containers.Lewin, S. Z. J. Chem. Educ.1961, 38, A515.

A demonstration polarimeterSpear, Carleton S.Describes the construction of a simple polarimeter that can be constructed by students for use in laboratory experiments.Spear, Carleton S. J. Chem. Educ.1960, 37, 203.

A portable mixture colorimeter of high absolute accuracyMowery, Dwight F., Jr.The equipment described is designed to provide a more rapid and uniform mixing of solutions, allows the use of equal volumes, and requires only one Beckman thermometer.Mowery, Dwight F., Jr. J. Chem. Educ.1957, 34, 244.

An interferometerMalik, Jim G.; Speirs, John L.; Rogers, Max T.Presents the general theory of interferometery, its uses, and a description of a constructed instrument and its operation.Malik, Jim G.; Speirs, John L.; Rogers, Max T. J. Chem. Educ.1953, 30, 437.

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Instrumental Methods

Some uses of radio service kits in teaching quantitative analysisPhillips, John P.The problem of obtaining inexpensive and practical instruments to supplement conventional equipment specifically designed for chemical purposes has been partially solved by the purchase of radio service instrument kits.Phillips, John P. J. Chem. Educ.1953, 30, 70.

Quantitative Analysis |

Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus |

Instrumental Methods

Electrolysis with controlled cathode potentialsFoster, Duncan G.This paper describes the construction of an instrument for the control of a cathode's potential during an electrolysis procedure (a potentiostat) and its use in a quantitative analysis laboratory.Foster, Duncan G. J. Chem. Educ.1951, 28, 626.